Phagans’ students on point to benefit Full Access/Beth Rixe Service Center
The students of Phagans’ Cosmetology College in Bend are honing their skills for a hair cutting marathon to raise funds for the Beth Rixe Service Center – a local base of operations for the non-profit ‘Full Access’ agency which coordinates help for people with intellectual and developmental challenges.
Budding barbers and stylists are volunteering their time and offering cuts for customers who make a $10 charitable donation to the worthy cause during an all-day event to be held at the school, located at 1310 NE Cushing Drive, on Saturday, March 1, from 10am-4pm.
Full Access helps adults with disabilities navigate the complicated social services world and acts as a vital link in accessing housing, employment, volunteering, friendship, education and recreational experiences.
The local service center is named in honor of Beth Rixe, who was able to experience a fulfilling life with the help of the Full Access program, and came to reality through an effort led by her parents, long-time Bend residents Dave and Katie Rixe.
The Rixe’s said, “In the past, people with developmental disabilities were often isolated in large institutions, separating them from the families that loved them.
“It is not that way anymore and never was for Beth, who was a client with Full Access during her adult years.
“She was a joyful young woman whose disability took her life too soon, but what a life she had! She was loved, loving, involved, active and independent which was of course due to her family’s support and also, the crucial services of Full Access.
“We can all be proud that Oregon is a leader in the nation for keeping families connected, involved and together. Full Access is a major force in Central Oregon providing the necessary services to give people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and their families, the opportunities they have always needed and deserved.
“The reality now is that people who experience a disability are able to work, socialize, form their sense of community, and are not isolated any longer. Small worlds have become large worlds, and we are all the better for it.
“Full Access will continue to accomplish this with public help and support, including events like this, which we greatly appreciate. At the Beth Rixe Service Center we will continue to provide these vital services to families and people with disabilities.
“There are no words for what Full Access did for us. They stayed the course and kept us moving forward. Beth’s seven years of independent living is largely due to the support and guidance of Full Access.”
Bend Phagans’ is part of a family business of cosmetology schools throughout Oregon that have been educating students in the cosmetology arts and sciences for over 50 years. The schools are nationally accredited, offering programs in hair design, esthetics, barbering, nail technology and educator training for those seeking a career in the professional beauty industry.
The colleges are clock hour schools providing extensive hands-on training, and also offer extremely affordable beauty services to tens of thousands of community members each year, many of whom could not afford the same services if they were to go to a salon.
All services are provided by students under the supervision of professional, certified cosmetology educators. Phagans’ also offers discounts to senior citizens guests and free haircuts to members of the military.
For more information on the haircut event, contact student representative Megan Lowes, 541-410-4701. For more information on Full Access, contact Bend Full Access Assistant Director Heather Hopkins-Slechta, 541-914-5010; email HHSlechta@fullaccess.org.
